Finish 6-4 behind leadership of eight seniors
By Skip Pearlman
The Beacon High School girls’ swim team capped a strong season Wednesday (Oct. 18) at home with a 113-63 loss to visiting Nyack. The Bulldogs had won six matches in a row before dropping their last three to finish 6-4.
Against Nyack, which lost only one of its 10 meets this season, the Bulldogs got a victory in the 200-yard individual medley from sophomore Thandiwe Knox. Sophomore Natalie Negron placed third in the 100-yard freestyle, and senior Jessica Hockler took second in the breaststroke. Jolene Lagunda also took second in the 100-yard backstroke, a new event for the junior.
“Thandiwe and Natalie have both done exceptionally well for us all season long,” said Coach Larry Collins. “Jessica, a captain, has done well leading the team and has been consistent in the breaststroke.”
Beacon Swimming
Putnam Valley-Mahopac 92, Beacon 78
Beacon 88, Ketcham 82
Beacon 102, Port Chester 60
Beacon 101, Albertus Magnus 53
Beacon 106, Keio Academy 64
Beacon 93, Woodlands 77
Beacon 89, East Ramapo 67
Yonkers 101, Beacon 69
Harrison 51, Beacon 42
Nyack 113, Beacon 63
The team’s eight seniors — captains Hockler, Monifa Knox and Cassandra Ruffy, and Chloe Tomlins, Claire Wood, Gabriela Ferrone, Yvette Bien-Aime and Kaitlyn Neves — were recognized Wednesday.
“Our seniors average five-and-a-half years on the team,” Collins said. “All eight have done such a tremendous job for us. Who will follow behind them?”
Beacon will compete Saturday (Oct. 20) as one of 11 teams at the conference championships, held in its own pool. Winners advance to the Section 1 championships scheduled for Oct. 30 in New City.
Collins said Ruffy in the 100-yard breaststroke and Knox in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle have a good chance to advance, as both have had times that were within the top four best in the conference this season. The team also is strong in the 200-yard freestyle relay, with the third best time. “It’s been a great season for the whole team,” Collins said. “They’ve been very competitive.”
